Patient Fusion is the patient portal for Practice Fusion, a free cloud-based EHR now owned by Veradigm (formerly Allscripts). The "free" model for providers means the business is sustained through data monetization and pharmaceutical advertising, creating inherent conflicts of interest.
When the EHR is free for providers, patient data becomes the product. Terms permit extensive data use for analytics, research, and commercial purposes that go beyond typical patient portals.
Practice Fusion was acquired by Veradigm (Allscripts) after regulatory issues. Corporate transitions can affect data handling, terms, and long-term platform stability.
The platform historically included pharmaceutical advertising within clinical workflows. While restricted after the DOJ settlement, the advertising-supported model influences the overall approach to patient data.
Patient Fusion offers fewer features than premium EHR patient portals. Your ability to access complete records, communicate with providers, or export data may be more limited.
Despite the business model concerns, HIPAA protections remain in effect. Your health information has baseline legal protections regardless of how the platform is monetized.
Following the DOJ settlement, Practice Fusion made changes to clinical decision support and advertising practices. Some of the worst historical practices have been addressed.
What "free EHR" means for patients: